How Obesity Affects Women’s Health and What Can Be Done About It
Obesity is a major factor influencing women’s health, raising the risk of various conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and hormonal disorders such as PCOD. This blog explores these risks and introduces bariatric surgery as a solution for significantly obese women.
What Is Obesity and How Does It Impact Women?
Obesity, defined as excess body fat, disrupts hormonal balance and metabolism in women, increasing their vulnerability to serious health disorders, ranging from PCOD to certain cancers and osteoarthritis.
Understanding PCOD and Its Link to Obesity
PCOD is a common hormonal disorder marked by menstrual irregularities, excess androgen, and polycystic ovaries, often accompanied by insulin resistance. Weight gain exacerbates these symptoms, but studies show that even a 10% weight loss can restore ovulation and menstruation.
Bariatric surgery may be recommended when traditional weight loss methods fail.
Infertility and Hormonal Imbalance Caused by Obesity
Excess estrogen production from fat tissue disrupts ovulation, reducing the effectiveness of fertility treatments. Obese women also face higher pregnancy complications, including miscarriage and gestational diabetes.
Obesity and Cancer Risk in Women
Research links obesity to increased risk of postmenopausal breast cancer and other types, such as endometrial, cervical, liver, and blood cancers. Factors include excess estrogen and elevated insulin levels, influencing abnormal cell growth.
